Soil Temperatures – Planting Recommendations

Q: I am a scientist at heart, so I read with great interest planting recommendations based on soil temperature. I am unclear on which soil temperature to use: 2 inch, 4 inch or 8 inch?

A: I use the 2″ depth for my garden timing. This is where most weed seed live, so it makes sense for timing pre-emergent application. It’s also where garden transplants and seeds have most of their roots. Track soil temperatures at www.georgiaweather.net.